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Officials from Trans Tech Bus revealed that Kings Canyon Unified School District in Reedley, Calif., would receive the first eTrans all-electric school bus.

Technology and alternative-fuel options in the industryTechnology and alternative fuels were other hot topics at the conference. During a transportation technology session, moderated by NAPT Public Affairs Consultant Barry McCahill, manufacturer and supplier representatives addressed developments that are impacting the school bus industry, or will in the future. Technologies that were discussed ranged from stability control systems — which the National Transportation Safety Board has recommended be required on new commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds — to student-tracking devices to camera systems.

SBF Publisher Frank Di Giacomo moderated a forum on alternative-fuel technology. School bus OEM officials described their companies’ backgrounds in alternative fuels and their current offerings. They also answered questions from attendees, touching on issues like fueling infrastructure and driving range.

Industry professionals got their first in-person look at Trans Tech Bus’ new alternative-fuel offering — the all-electric eTrans school bus — during a special event at the NAPT Summit. (For information on the bus, click here.)

At the unveiling, officials revealed that Kings Canyon Unified School District in Reedley, Calif., would receive the first eTrans unit.

John Clements, director of transportation for the district, told SBF that he’s looking forward to the fact that the bus doesn’t require a petroleum-based fuel to operate.

“I anticipate that the bus is going to go roughly 50 to 55 miles a day initially based on the route that it’s scheduled for, but I can also see it being used for small activity trips that are 25 or 30 miles in one direction,” he added.

(The eTrans was delivered to Kings Canyon in mid-December. Clements said it would then be driven to Sacranmento, Calif., to visit the transportation community there.)

This makes so much sense! Buses pick up kids, drop them at school, then go back to base (to charge). Then go back out a few hours later to make another run. Then charge over night. Could there be a better application for this young technology?

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